Abstract
Over the past few years, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) have been increasingly improving. It is worth mentioning that multi-shuttle storage/retrieval (S/R) machines were gradually introduced to the market some years ago. These machines, which possess a high speed of execution, are able to transport several pallets at a time during the same trip, as opposed to single-shuttle S/R machines, which can carry only one pallet at a time. It should be noted that the installation of this type of system requires a significant financial investment, and therefore, it is highly recommended that this system be well studied and designed prior to its installation. It is widely acknowledged that one of the most important objectives while designing an AS/RS is to achieve the shortest time for one single cycle. The present work aims at designing an AS/RS with optimal dimensions for the purpose of minimizing the time in a multi-cycle implementation. To do this, it was decided to consider a multi-aisle automated storage/ retrieval system (AS/RS) with a multi-shuttle S/R machine. In addition, a genetic algorithm (GA) was used for the optimization of the system.
Highlights
It is broadly admitted that using automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) in companies offers remarkable advantages
The time needed to complete this cycle is equivalent to the single cycle time plus (2n - 1) multiplied by the time required to go from the storage bin to the retrieval bin
The time required to execute a cycle during which the S/R machine carries out k storage and retrieval operations is equivalent to the single-cycle time plus (k - 1) multiplied by the time required to go from the storage bin to the retrieval bin
Summary
It is broadly admitted that using automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RSs) in companies offers remarkable advantages This allows reducing storage costs, minimizing labor costs, using the storage space efficiently, and achieving a better traceability of products. It is worth indicating that many AS/RS configurations have been developed by considering the unit-load AS/RS which represents the generic system that can handle different types of products in terms of dimensions and volume. These configurations are different with regard to the arrangement of racks and the number of S/R machines included in the system. They are composed of a mini-load AS/RS, a carousel AS/RS, a mobile rack AS/RS, a flow rack AS/RS and a multi-aisle AS/RS
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